International students who want to study at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) must meet academic admission requirements as well as additional immigration, qualification-evaluation, medical aid and financial requirements.
Wits accepts international students for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, but the application and registration process is different from that followed by most South African students.
International applicants may need to obtain a South African study visa, arrange South African medical aid, have their qualifications evaluated and pay a significant portion of their university fees before registration.
Here is a detailed guide for international students planning to study at Wits.
Can International Students Study at Wits?
Yes.
Wits University accepts students from countries across Africa and the rest of the world.
International applicants can apply for:
- Undergraduate degrees
- Honours programmes
- Postgraduate diplomas
- Master’s degrees
- PhD programmes
- Study abroad and exchange programmes
However, international students must meet both the academic requirements for their chosen programme and the additional requirements administered through the Wits International Students Office (ISO).
Wits Application Requirements for International Students
International applicants apply to Wits through the university’s normal application process, but additional documentation may be required.
For undergraduate applications, applicants with international school qualifications should upload certified copies of their recent school reports and previous academic results.
Applicants who have already completed high school should provide certified copies of their foreign school-leaving certificates.
If you previously attended another university or tertiary institution, Wits may require:
- Your school-leaving results
- Certified academic records
- A certificate of good conduct
- Current academic results where applicable
Wits specifically notes that an ordinary statement of credits or examination results is not accepted in place of the required full academic record.
Do International Students Need Matriculation Exemption?
International students applying for undergraduate study with non-South African school qualifications generally need their qualifications assessed for matriculation exemption.
Wits states that applicants with foreign school qualifications must have those qualifications evaluated by the Matriculation Board.
This process determines whether your foreign school qualification is equivalent to the South African standard required for university admission.
You should start this process early because admission may depend on the outcome of the assessment.
Do Postgraduate International Students Need SAQA Evaluation?
Yes, this may be required.
International applicants applying for postgraduate study at Wits with a qualification obtained outside South Africa generally need to provide proof that the qualification has been evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
This applies particularly where Wits needs to verify the South African equivalent level of a foreign degree or qualification.
Wits 2027 Application Closing Dates
For the 2027 academic intake, Wits published the following undergraduate closing dates:
- 30 June 2026 – Faculty of Health Sciences programmes
- 30 June 2026 – Bachelor of Architectural Studies
- 30 June 2026 – Bachelor of Audiology
- 30 June 2026 – Bachelor of Speech-Language Pathology
- 30 June 2026 – BA Film and TV
- 30 September 2026 – All other undergraduate programmes
Residence applications also closed on 30 September 2026 for the 2027 intake.
As these dates have now passed, applicants interested in the next intake should check Wits’ official application pages for the next application cycle.
Do International Students Need a Study Visa for Wits?
Yes, in most cases.
International students coming to South Africa for a full undergraduate or postgraduate degree generally need a valid South African study visa.
Wits states that even applicants from countries whose citizens may normally enter South Africa without a visitor visa still need a study visa for full-time degree studies.
A study visa is institution-specific.
This means that if your visa was issued for another university and you later decide to study at Wits, you may need to apply for a change of conditions before you can register at Wits.
Where Do You Apply for a South African Study Visa?
Students applying from outside South Africa must normally apply at the:
- South African Embassy
- High Commission
- Consulate
- Trade Mission
in their country of residence.
If South Africa does not have a diplomatic mission in your country, you may need to apply through the nearest South African mission responsible for your country.
You should apply as soon as possible after receiving your Wits offer.
Wits advises students that study visa processing can take at least six to eight weeks.
Documents Needed for a Wits Study Visa
According to Wits’ current international student guidance, students applying for a study visa may need documents including:
- A valid passport
- Full birth certificate
- Wits acceptance letter
- Wits Letter of Undertaking
- Certified educational qualifications
- Academic transcripts
- Proof of sufficient funds
- Recent bank statements or sponsorship confirmation
- South African medical aid membership certificate
- Medical report
- Police clearance certificates where required
- Proof of accommodation
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate where applicable
- Marriage or divorce documents where relevant
- Proof of visa application fee payment
Wits states that the passport should generally remain valid for at least 30 days beyond the end of the intended study period.
Visa requirements can change, so applicants should also verify the latest requirements with the South African diplomatic mission handling their application.
What Is the Wits Letter of Undertaking?
The Letter of Undertaking is a university document used as part of the study visa process.
Wits’ International Students Office facilitates this letter after the necessary admission processes have been completed.
Students should follow the instructions provided by the International Students Office rather than preparing their own undertaking letter.
Can Wits Register You Without a Study Visa?
Generally, no.
Wits states that international students cannot normally be registered until they have produced the required valid study visa and completed international clearance.
This means that receiving an academic offer from Wits does not complete the registration process.
Before registration, international students may still need to satisfy:
- Visa requirements
- Medical aid requirements
- Fee requirements
- International Students Office clearance
Do International Students Need South African Medical Aid?
Yes, most international students studying at Wits must have comprehensive medical aid cover.
Wits states that both new and returning international students generally require South African medical aid for the full academic year.
For students requiring a study visa, the medical aid membership certificate should generally be from a South African-registered scheme and remain valid until 31 December of the relevant academic year.
The medical aid cost is separate from Wits tuition fees and is normally paid directly to the medical aid provider.
How Much Are Wits Fees for International Students?
International student fees at Wits depend on:
- Citizenship
- Immigration status
- Whether the student is from a SADC country
- Whether the programme is undergraduate or postgraduate
- Whether the student studies full-time or part-time
- The specific courses selected
Wits advises students to use its Fee Estimator after receiving a student or person number to calculate their expected fees.
Wits Fees for SADC Students
Students from SADC countries generally receive more favourable tuition arrangements than undergraduate students from outside the region.
For undergraduate SADC students, Wits currently states that students pay:
- Local tuition fees
- An International Registration Fee of R6,970 per year
- Accommodation fees separately where applicable
The International Registration Fee is non-refundable.
The SADC category listed by Wits includes students from countries such as Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe, among others.
Wits Fees for International Students Outside SADC
Undergraduate international students from outside the SADC region generally pay more.
According to Wits’ current international fee structure, full-time undergraduate students from outside SADC pay double the local tuition fee.
The separate International Registration Fee does not apply to this category.
Part-time arrangements may differ, so students should verify their exact category with Wits.
Wits Postgraduate Fees for International Students
The fee structure is different for postgraduate students.
Wits states that postgraduate international students generally pay:
- Local tuition fees
- An International Registration Fee of R6,970 per year
- Accommodation separately where applicable
This applies to postgraduate certificates, diplomas, honours, master’s and PhD programmes under the current fee structure.
Because university fees increase over time, students should always confirm the amount for their registration year.
How Much Must International Students Pay Before Registration?
This is one of the most important financial requirements.
Wits currently requires most international students to pay 75% of their annual tuition fees before registration.
Students must also pay:
- The applicable International Registration Fee
- University accommodation charges where applicable
The remaining 25% of tuition fees is due by 30 June.
Wits advises international students to arrange payment early because funds must clear in the university’s account before registration.
When Should International Students Pay Wits Fees?
Wits recommends that international transfers be made early enough for the money to clear at least 10 working days before registration.
International bank transfers can take time, and a delayed payment can delay registration.
Students making payments should use their student number as the payment reference, rather than their name.
How Can You Estimate Your Wits Fees?
Once you receive a student or person number, you can log into the Wits Student Self-Service Portal and use the university’s Fee Estimator.
The estimator can calculate:
- Tuition fees
- International Registration Fee where applicable
- Other relevant study costs
Students can save or print the resulting fee estimate.
This is particularly useful for study visa applications because international students may need to demonstrate that they have sufficient funds for their studies.
Does Accommodation Cost Extra?
Yes.
Wits residence charges are separate from tuition fees.
If you plan to stay in university accommodation, the accommodation amount must be considered in addition to tuition and other fees.
Wits states that residence fees for international students staying in university accommodation form part of the amount considered when calculating the required upfront payment.
Students should also budget separately for:
- Books
- Stationery
- Transport
- Food where not included
- Personal expenses
Wits’ general student fee information specifically advises students to budget for books, stationery, travel and other personal costs in addition to tuition.
Do Refugees Need a Study Visa at Wits?
Recognised refugees are treated differently.
Wits states that foreign nationals holding recognised refugee status do not normally require a study visa to study at the university.
Refugees generally pay local tuition fees and do not pay the International Registration Fee under Wits’ current fee structure.
However, refugee documentation must remain valid, and students are expected to update the International Students Office whenever their permits are renewed.
What About Asylum Seekers?
Students holding a valid Section 22 asylum seeker permit also have different immigration arrangements.
Wits states that qualifying asylum seekers generally do not require a study visa, but their immigration documentation must remain valid and must be updated with the International Students Office when renewed.
Their fee treatment may differ from refugees, so students should confirm their exact category with Wits before registration.
Can International Students Work While Studying at Wits?
A student holding an appropriate South African study visa may generally work part-time for up to 20 hours per week while studying, according to Wits’ visa guidance.
Students should make sure their visa conditions permit the work they intend to undertake and should not rely on part-time employment as their main source of funding.
International Clearance Before Registration
International students normally need clearance from the Wits International Students Office before they can complete registration.
Students may need to present or upload documents such as:
- Valid passport
- Valid study visa or qualifying immigration permit
- Proof of medical aid
- Proof of fee payment
- Qualification-evaluation documents where applicable
Wits confirms that postgraduate international students must be cleared by both the Fees Office and the International Students Office before registration.
Step-by-Step Guide for International Students Applying to Wits
The overall process can be summarised as follows:
- Choose the Wits programme you want to study.
- Check the academic admission requirements.
- Submit your Wits application before the closing date.
- Upload your international academic documents.
- Arrange matriculation exemption if applying for undergraduate study with foreign school qualifications.
- Obtain SAQA evaluation where required for postgraduate study.
- Wait for your Wits admission decision.
- Accept your offer where required.
- Obtain the necessary Wits visa-supporting documentation.
- Apply for your South African study visa.
- Arrange qualifying South African medical aid.
- Calculate your fees using the Wits Fee Estimator.
- Pay the required upfront fees.
- Obtain international clearance from Wits.
- Complete registration.
Starting these processes early is important because qualification evaluation, international payments and study visa applications can all take time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can international students apply to Wits?
Yes. Wits accepts international undergraduate, postgraduate, exchange and study-abroad students.
Do international students need a study visa?
Most international students coming to South Africa for full-time degree study need a valid study visa before registering at Wits.
How long does a study visa take?
Wits advises students to allow at least six to eight weeks for processing.
How much do international students pay at Wits?
The amount depends on nationality, immigration status and programme. SADC undergraduate students generally pay local tuition plus the International Registration Fee, while full-time undergraduate students from outside SADC generally pay double local tuition under the current fee structure.
What is the Wits International Registration Fee?
Under the current fee structure, the International Registration Fee is R6,970 per year for categories where it applies. It is non-refundable.
How much must international students pay before registration?
Most international students must pay 75% of annual tuition fees, the applicable International Registration Fee and university accommodation charges before registration. The remaining 25% is generally due by 30 June.
Is medical aid compulsory?
Generally yes. Wits requires new and returning international students to have appropriate South African medical aid coverage for the relevant academic year.
Can an international student register without a valid study visa?
Generally no. Students who require a study visa must provide a valid visa and obtain international clearance before registration.
Do undergraduate international students need matriculation exemption?
Applicants with non-South African school qualifications generally need their qualifications evaluated by the Matriculation Board.
Do postgraduate international students need SAQA?
Applicants with foreign higher-education qualifications may need to provide proof of SAQA evaluation for postgraduate admission.
Final Word
International students are welcome to apply to the University of the Witwatersrand, but there are several additional requirements to complete before registration.
In addition to meeting Wits’ academic admission standards, international students may need to obtain matriculation exemption or SAQA evaluation, a South African study visa, qualifying medical aid and International Students Office clearance.
Students should also plan carefully for the financial requirements. Most international students are expected to pay 75% of their annual tuition fees before registration, together with any applicable International Registration Fee and university accommodation charges.
Because study visa applications can take at least six to eight weeks and international payments may take several working days to clear, prospective students should start the process as early as possible.
The exact tuition amount will depend on the student’s nationality, immigration status and programme, so applicants should use the official Wits Fee Estimator and confirm their fee category with the university before making payment.